Superabsorbent Polymer Hydrogel Chopper With Uniform-Pressure Cutting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hydrogel chopping devices struggle to apply uniform pressure on hydrogel during the chopping process, leading to uneven cutting and instability.

Innovation Solution

A superabsorbent polymer hydrogel chopping device with a barrel body oriented along the direction of gravity, incorporating a transfer unit with a screw member and cutter member, and a perforated plate to ensure uniform pressure and stable chopping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If gravity is used to press hydrogel on the perforated plate, then the chopping operation can be performed, but the pressure is not uniform and chopping is unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechopping operationVSAvoiduniformity of chopping
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotating screw that dynamically presses the hydrogel against the perforated plate during rotation. This dynamic pressing mechanism replaces static gravity-based pressing, ensuring uniform contact pressure throughout the chopping process and achieving consistent particle size distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The screw acts as an intermediary mechanism between the hydrogel and the perforated plate. Instead of relying directly on gravity to press the hydrogel, the screw mediates the pressing action, distributing force uniformly across the hydrogel surface and enabling stable chopping operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the hydrogel is simply pulverized to increase surface area, then the drying efficiency can be improved, but the chopping operation becomes unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrying efficiencyVSAvoidchopping stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rotating screw provides continuous dynamic pressing and chopping action, maintaining stable operation while effectively increasing the surface area of hydrogel particles. This dynamic mechanism ensures both high productivity for drying and reliable chopping stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The screw performs preliminary chopping and size reduction of the hydrogel before it reaches the perforated plate for final particle discharge. This preliminary action prepares the hydrogel for efficient drying while maintaining operational stability throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The device achieves uniform chopping of hydrogel particles by applying consistent pressure, improving manufacturing quality and stability of the chopping operation.

Implementation Method 1

a screw member (21) rotatably installed in the transfer space (11) and moving the hydrogel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical movement: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

a cutter member (30) installed in the barrel body (10) and pulverizing the hydrogel transferred by the transfer unit (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical cutting: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 3

a perforated plate (40) discharging particles of the hydrogel pulverized by the cutter member (30) to the outside of the barrel body (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4011576B1Superabsorbent polymer hydrogel chopper
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 LG CHEM LTD
  • EP4011576B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4011576B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4011576B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A superabsorbent polymer hydrogel chopping device is provided. The superabsorbent polymer hydrogel chopping device includes a barrel body having a transfer space to which a hydrogel is transferred therein and a discharge portion through which the hydrogel is discharged and which is formed to face a ground direction, a transfer unit installed to the barrel body and configured to transfer the hydrogel in the transfer space, a cutter member installed in the barrel body and configured to pulverize the hydrogel transferred by the transfer unit, and a perforated plate configured to discharge particles of the hydrogel pulverized by the cutter member to the outside of the barrel body.